The 2015 edition of Homecoming and Family Weekend featured the debut of the Maroon and Gold Gala and the Calvin colors dominated the campus landscape—and beyond for the evening downtown events.

The first-ever gala, held in the picturesque Bissell Tree House at the John Ball Park Zoo, featured the presentations of the Distinguished Alumni Awards and the first Alumni ArtPrize Award (see related stories in this issue).

This year the annual tailgater in the Huizenga Indoor Tennis and Track facility was moved to Saturday lunch and included all current students in the mix. The energy of that event segued into a supportive fan base for the women’s soccer team game and the volleyball team’s match in the arena.

The 45-year Class of 1970 and the 25-year Class of 1990 gathered this weekend as well. The 1970 crew reminisced about academics, athletics and diversity and then heard from three Calvin professors about how today’s Calvin compared with the college of 45 years ago.

The 1990 gang met at the guest house on the John Ball Park Zoo property, which gave them a nice segue into the Maroon and Gold Gala nearby.

Although the zoo’s famous funicular was not working—and that is typical transportation method to reach the Tree House where the Gala was held—old-style trolleys got guests to where they needed to be.

It has not been Calvin’s history to encourage guests to dress up to formal-wear or nearly-so status, but the creativity of those attending to show flashes of maroon and gold made for a special evening.

This year’s Homecoming innovations were a delight; it will be interesting to see the details for the sequel next October.